Dr. Clinton Boyd, Jr. is a Researcher at Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago. Boyd utilizes evidence to ensure African American fathers are valued as assets to their children, families, and communities. His research primarily studies how the life course events of African American men affect their experiences as fathers. Dr. Boyd’s research also explores strengthening father engagement in home visiting, youth development, workforce readiness, and Responsible Fatherhood programs. His research also focuses on the use of qualitative research methods in policy development and program evaluation.
Dr. Boyd is also the Executive Director of Fathers, Families, & Healthy Communities (FFHC). As a family-strengthening organization, FFHC provides African American fathers with a range of services and resources to meaningfully engage with their families – ultimately giving their children a better chance at success. As a Scholar Activist, Dr. Boyd has co-authored several articles, book chapters, and policy reports on his work with African American fathers. Dr. Boyd currently lives in Chicago, IL, and is the father of two children, whom he refers to as his “greatest life achievements”. With his ambitious and fighting spirit, Dr. Boyd’s life motto is the following: “Speak the truth even when it is bitter”.
Before transitioning to FFHC and Chapin Hall, Dr. Boyd was a Postdoctoral Associate at the Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity at Duke University, where he conducted research on race and ethnicity, inequality, family policy, and parenting in African American families. Dr. Boyd also taught courses related to African and African American studies and Global Inequality at Duke University. Dr. Boyd also served as a consultant with Morehouse School of Medicine, where he designed and implemented a wraparound program for justice-involved youth in Atlanta, Georgia. In his capacity as a consultant, Dr. Boyd also pursued diversified partnerships with policymakers, foundations, high-wealth individuals, corporations, and community leaders to support his positive youth development work.
Dr. Boyd received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology from Concordia University Chicago, a Master of Arts in Sociology from DePaul University, and a Ph.D. in Sociology from Georgia State University.